Packers closer to deal with first-round draft pick B.J. Raji, source says
By Pete Dougherty pdougher@greenbaypressgazette.com August 9, 2009
* Read Comments(21)
* Recommend
* Print this page
* E-mail this article
* Share
o Del.icio.us
o Facebook
o Digg
o Reddit
o Newsvine
o Buzz up!
o Twitter
* Whats this?
The Green Bay Packers contract negotiations with the agent for B.J. Raji got closer Sunday, a source familiar with the talks said, though its unclear if the first-round draft pick is anywhere near signing a deal.
The talks have picked up in part because Denver on Friday signed the No. 12 pick overall, Knowshon Moreno, to a five-year contract that included a reported $13 million in guaranteed money and is worth $23 million total. Moreno is the closest player chosen after Raji at No. 9 overall to sign.
In front of Raji, the closest player who has signed is Oakland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, the No. 7 pick whose five-year, $38.25 million deal includes $23.5 million in guarantees.
Rajis chances for reaching a deal soon would improve dramatically if either the No. 8 pick (Jacksonvilles Eugene Monroe) or the No. 10 pick (San Franciscos Michael Crabtree) would sign, because then Rajis deal could be slotted off that. But Crabtrees agent reportedly is looking to better the contract of the one receiver taken ahead of his client, Heyward-Bey, so those talks could be prolonged.
If No. 11 pick Aaron Maybin of Buffalo signs, that also might improve the chances of Raji reaching a deal soon. Raji would fall exactly in between Maybin at No. 11 and Heyward-Bey at No. 7, so his deal could be slotted between them. However, Rajis agent might be hesitant if he wants to ensure he gets a better deal at No. 9 than Crabtree gets at No. 10.